System for operating modes for an electric toothbrush

ABSTRACT

Various operational mode arrangements of an electric toothbrush ( 10 ) include pre-programming a controller portion ( 16 ) of the electric toothbrush such that a single brushing event of approximately two minutes comprises automatically at least two different operating modes and specified times for each mode. Another operational mode includes the capability of operating the on/off button ( 20 ) of the toothbrush within a specified short time following termination of a normal brushing event to provide the user a specified additional time, e.g. 30 seconds of toothbrush action. A special toothbrush interface arrangement includes a display ( 80 ) which encourages children to maintain brushing for the full brushing period. This is accomplished through sequential illustration of the progress of an article from an initial state to a final desired state as the toothbrush is used for increasing portions of a full brushing time period. In another embodiment, a toothbrush ( 120 ) includes a capability of adjusting the performance/operating characteristics in accordance with the age of a child user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES

This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/297,656, filed Feb. 9, 2009 which is a U.S. National StageApplication under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No.PCT/IB2007/001047, filed Apr. 20, 2007 and U.S. Provisional Ser. No.60/793,902 filed Apr. 20, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to operational control of an electrictoothbrush, and more specifically concerns the use and selection ofvarious operational modes for an electric toothbrush.

Some electric toothbrushes have multiple modes of operation which may beselected by a user via control buttons on the body of the toothbrush,the control buttons generally referred to as a “user interface”. Eachmode will typically have a different brushing action; for instance, anormal mode may be particularly adapted for normal brushing/cleansing ofthe teeth, while a gentle mode might have an action which has less brushmovement and/or moves at a slower rate. Another mode could be a massagemode in which the brush has a pulsing action.

These modes are illustrative only of the various mode possibilities.Typically, an operating mode, once selected, will control the operationof the toothbrush for an entire brushing event, i.e. for two minutes. Ifit is desired by a particular user to combine different modes within asingle event time, i.e. two or more modes within a two-minute time, theuser must manipulate the user interface controls to create such aspecific mode/time profile manually every time that particular profileis desired. This is often too complex or inconvenient for a user toconsistently and reliably accomplish. Hence, there is a need for simplecontrols to result in complex brushing profiles for a single brushingevent. Such controls could be particularly desirable for those mode/timeprofiles which are known to produce beneficial effects. It would beadvantageous for the users to have such a desirable profile available tothem by a simple, straightforward control operation.

In addition, it is often desirable to have a simple means to extend thebrushing time by a selected short period of time, i.e. 30 seconds.Typically, this is accomplished at the present time is by simply pushingthe on/off button again following termination of the normal event, andthen terminating the brushing manually when the desired additional timeof brushing has elapsed. This, however, is often difficult to monitor.

Lastly, there are some special brushing circumstances such asencouraging children to brush appropriately and for a full desired time,which may be enhanced by a specialized brush arrangement which could bebroadly categorized as a particular mode of operation. Also, it would bedesirable to maintain a record of children's brushing with a convenientreadout for parental monitoring of children's brushing patterns.

It is thus desirable that an electric toothbrush be arranged and adaptedto provide an increased operating mode capability, while being simple inmode selection, thereby increasing the beneficial use of the electrictoothbrush for the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, disclosed herein is a system for operating an electrictoothbrush in more than one mode of operation during a brushing event,comprising: an electric toothbrush with a toothbrush body, a brushhead,a motor for driving the brushhead and a controller for the motor, thecontroller being pre-programmed to produce at least one mode/timeprofile of operation in which the toothbrush operates in one operationalmode for one selected time and then automatically changes, in accordancewith a program, to at least one other operational mode for anotherselected time, different than the first operational mode, during asingle brushing event, wherein the selected times for the operationalmodes add up to the time of a single brushing event; and a userinterface operable by a user to initiate the mode/time profileoperation.

Also disclosed is a system for extending the time of automatic operationof an electric toothbrush, comprising: a control system for thetoothbrush which controls the operation of a brushhead portion of thetoothbrush, the control system having a pre-programmed capability ofproviding a selected amount of additional time for operation of thetoothbrush substantially immediately subsequent to the termination of abrushing event, the additional time being substantially less than thetime of a single brushing event.

Also disclosed is a system to encourage brushing by children who areusing an electric toothbrush, comprising: a display device for a powertoothbrush which is in use, the display device including a displayprogram in which a selected article progresses visually from an initialstate to a final desired state as use of the toothbrush continues fromthe time it is turned on to the end of a desired time period for abrushing event.

Also disclosed is a system for adjusting operating characteristics of apower toothbrush for use by children at various ages, comprising: apower toothbrush responsive to instructions from an internal or externalsource to adjust operating characteristics of the toothbrush carried outby a control system, associated with a selected age of a child user; andan entry system for initiating operation of the power toothbrush at aselected level of operating characteristics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a simplified drawing of an electric toothbrush illustratingthe structure of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a diagram of an example of a user interface portion of anelectric toothbrush.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a user interface portion of an electrictoothbrush showing various operating modes, including an extended timeindicator.

FIGS. 3A-3C are user interface diagrams showing a system for changingbetween various modes using a two-button control interface.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are interface diagrams showing a system for changingbetween an automatic and a manual extended time capability using thetwo-button interface of FIGS. 3A through 3B.

FIGS. 5A-5D are interface diagrams showing a system for selecting a modefor an extended time.

FIG. 6 shows the interface when a typical operation illustrated in FIGS.5A-5D has been completed.

FIGS. 7A-7B are simplified diagrams showing a brushing system for usewith children.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another brushing system for use withchildren.

FIGS. 9A-9D are a sequence of diagrams showing the operation of thesystem of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a toothbrush with various embodiments forchanging operating characteristics of the toothbrush as children getolder.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a toothbrush with a skin member forchanging operating characteristics of the toothbrush.

FIGS. 12-14 are cross-sectional views of the skin member of FIG. 11,showing various ways of changing the operating characteristics of thetoothbrush or initiating operation thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As indicated above, many electric toothbrushes currently have thecapability of more than one mode of operation. Each mode has aparticular brush movement (amplitude and pattern of movement) andfrequency to provide a desired effect. However, such modes operate forthe entire length of a brushing event, which is typically two minutes.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an arrangement where an electric toothbrush isprogrammed to include two or more modes which comprise a single brushingevent. In such an arrangement, for each combined mode operation, two ormore different modes of operation, each mode with a selected time, areprogrammed for a total time duration which is the same as for a singlebrushing event. Such combined modes, with selected times for each mode,are referred to hereinafter as mode/time profiles, or alternatively,routines, as used in FIG. 1B, meaning that a single brushing eventcomprises two or more individual modes, each of which has a pre-selectedtime duration within the normal brushing time.

One example of a mode/time profile would include first a low amplitudewarm-up mode for 40 seconds, followed by a deep massage (pulsating) modeor a normal brushing mode for one minute, followed by a 20-second gentlemode to end the brushing event. Many combinations of different modes andtimes are possible.

The electric toothbrush 10 of FIG. 1 having such a capability isoperated by a conventional motor 12, which is in turn powered by arechargeable battery 14. The motor 12 is controlled by a programmedcontrol assembly 16, which is capable of controlling the motor 12 toprovide a selected amplitude and frequency of movement of the brushheadportion 18 of the toothbrush. The pattern of brushhead movement can alsobe controlled by the energizing signal applied to the motor. Thebrushhead movement could be arcuate, back and forth, pulsating (such asin a FIG. 8) or other types of movement. The amplitude and frequency ofthe brushhead movement can also be controlled, with different effects.As the toothbrush proceeds in its operation, an audible indication canbe provided to the user indicating each change of specific mode.

The selection of a particular mode or mode/time profile for thetoothbrush is controlled by a user interface 20. Each mode and mode/timeprofile available to the user is programmed at the factory intocontroller 16. An example of a user interface for mode or mode/timeprofile selection is shown in FIG. 1B, where the interface 20 includesan on/off button 22, a mode button 24, three different modes 26 whichare selectable by the user, and two mode/time profiles (routines) 28,each of which comprise a combination of particular modes with,respectively, particular times.

The interface can be cycled through the three modes shown and the twomode/time profiles shown by use of the mode button 24. Again, thisparticular interface is for illustration, as a different number of modescan be programmed into the control assembly 16 and shown specifically onthe interface, as well as a different number of mode/time profiles. Thebasic concept illustrated is that each mode/time profile is actuallyprogrammed into the control assembly and the user interface arranged sothat by operating a single mode button, the interface unit cycles to thedesired mode/time profile, which then is automatically initiated whenthe on/off button is thereafter operated. In another embodiment, theuser can program a particular mode/time profile into the controlassembly, to meet his/her specialized needs/desires.

The toothbrush can be programmed so that selection of a particular modeor mode/time profile can occur when the brush is in an off state, orwhen the brush has been turned on.

In another aspect of the arrangement of FIGS. 1A and 1B, a particularmode/time profile can be provided to the toothbrush through a link 32from a device in a remote dental office 34 or other location, such as auser's computer. At the toothbrush, the desired mode/time profileinformation is received by a charge coil communication system, showngenerally at 36. This arrangement is advantageous, because as particularmode/time profiles are discovered to have a particular beneficialresult, which may be suited to the needs of a particular patient, adentist (or the user) can construct a custom mode/time profile andprovide it to the toothbrush following manufacture of the toothbrush.

The selection of a particular mode/time profile by a user can also beremembered by controller 16, so that a single user, by pushing theon/off switch, can have the toothbrush automatically go into the desiredoperation, without having to select it each time by operating the modebutton as described above. This makes the use of a programmed mode/timeprofile even easier and more convenient to use.

Controller 16 can also remember the use of two (sometimes more)available mode/time profiles, such as by two separate users in a family,and produce those operating profiles in a sequence of operation of thetoothbrush as a function of elapsed time between successive activationsof the toothbrush. For instance, activating the brush a first time willresult in a first mode/time profile, for a first user, and thenactivating the toothbrush a second time within a previous (known)elapsed time after the first activation will result in a secondmode/time profile, for another user.

Still further, the controller 16 is also capable of remembering onemode/time profile at one time during the day, such as for a morningbrushing, and a second mode/time profile at another selected time duringthe day, i.e. for an evening brushing, for a single user. This can alsobe done where more than two brushings occur, i.e. three brushings, eachwith a different mode/time profile.

Hence, having selected mode/time profiles programmed into the controller16 results in a reliable, convenient arrangement for a user toaccomplish a complex brushing operation pattern (profile) throughsimple, straightforward actions by the user, whether through operationof a single mode button or in some cases, just operating the on/offswitch.

In another mode arrangement, the brushing time for a single event can beextended for an additional short period of time, e.g. 30 seconds, by oneaction of the user on a control interface portion of the toothbrush.Such a control interface is shown in FIG. 2, similar to that of FIG. 1B.In this interface, there is an on/off button 40, a mode button 42, threeLEDs 44 indicating three different user modes and an LED 46 indicatingan extended time mode, which could be manually or automatically set.

In the present control arrangement following the termination of a normalbrushing event, i.e. following two minutes of brushing, the brush willturn off automatically. In the present arrangement, pressing the on/offbutton 40 following such termination results in an extended time ofoperation of the brush. While 30 seconds additional time might betypical, the time could be somewhat longer or shorter, e.g. in the rangeof approximately 20 40 seconds. The basic concept is to provide thecapability of a specific mode of operation, which can be easilyselected, which extends beyond the normal two-minute time. In order toaccomplish this, the toothbrush controller 16 (FIG. 1) is programmed sothat in response to the on/off button being operated within a certaintime (for example, 15 seconds) after termination of a normal brushingevent, the extended time mode turns on.

In one arrangement, the mode of operation of the toothbrush during theextended time period will be the same as the mode of operation duringthe normal (two-minute) brushing event. FIGS. 3A-3C show the sequence ofhow to operate mode button 60 to change the mode of normal operation ofthe toothbrush. Pushing the mode button 60 will change in sequence theoperation of the toothbrush between the various possible modes. In theembodiment shown, this could be normal brushing operation, LED 62 is lit(FIG. 3A), gentle mode operation, LED 64 is lit (FIG. 3B), or massagemode of operation, LED 66 is lit (FIG. 3C). Other modes can beimplemented, each with a particular brush action.

In a further development of the extended time/mode arrangement, the userhas an opportunity to setup, i.e. establish, the extended time operatingparameters. In a first setup step, the extended time arrangement can beimplemented manually by pushing the on/off switch within a particulartime after termination of a normal event, as discussed above, shown as“manual” operation on the interface, or it could be implementedautomatically, in which the user automatically receives the additionaltime, without doing anything further with the interface. In addition,the actual mode of operation of the toothbrush during the extended timeperiod can be selected by the user.

The selection of manual v. automatic and selection of a particular modefor the extended time period can be accomplished by the “setup” processillustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B, 5A-5D and 6 and described in the followingparagraphs.

In a first step in the setup process, the extended time setting can beswitched between manual and automatic. As indicated above, in the manualarrangement, the on/off switch must be operated as described above eachtime the extended time is desired. In the automatic arrangement, on theother hand, the extended time is provided automatically following eachbrushing event. In the programmed setup arrangement shown which isprovided by the factory in the toothbrush, the user presses the on/offbutton 67 for a period of approximately three seconds in one embodiment.The time must be long enough to be a reliable indication that the setupprocess is desired by the user. The setup process can now begin. Themanual/automatic LED 68 will blink and show the current state ofextended time operation. In the embodiment shown, the color orangeindicates the manual operation state, while green indicates theautomatic state. Other colors can be used, as well as other visualindicators, such as blinking speed, to distinguish the two states ofoperation. Alternatively, two spaced LEDs could be used, one indicatingmanual and the other automatic. Operation of the mode button 70 when themanual/automatic LED 68 is blinking will change the extended timebetween manual or automatic as desired.

In a next setup operation, the user may select a mode for the extendedtime (period) which is different than the mode which is selected for theregular brushing period. This is advantageous, as it permits the user tohave a particular brushing portion of a brushing event, for instance agum massage, to finish the brushing. The mode for the extended time ischanged by the user pressing the mode button during the setup process,which will then change the operating mode to a second mode, such asshown in FIG. 5B, illustrating a gentle mode (LED 71 is lit), and thento the next mode, which in FIG. 5C is a massage mode (mode LED 72 islit). As the operational status changes, the immediate mode LED beingselected begins to blink. At the last phase of the mode cycle, none ofthe mode LEDs is blinking, such as shown in FIG. 5D, which indicatesthat the extended time feature is in an “off” condition.

After the operational mode for the extended time has been selected bythe user during the extended time setup process, the on/off button 67 isoperated; this results in the chosen setup being displayed by theinterface LEDs for a selected period, for instance 30 seconds. FIG. 6shows the result of one extended time setup process, in which themanual/automatic LED is lit, either orange or green, and the operationof the toothbrush will be in the gentle mode during the extended timeperiod.

Although not specifically illustrated, the setup procedure could includea capability of the user to set a specific extended time period. Adefault time of 30 seconds could be included.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8 and 9A-9D show an arrangement which is specificallydirected toward encouraging children in brushing and to providecorresponding information to parents to monitor their children'sbrushing habits and/or progress. In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS.7A and 7B, the toothbrush system includes a display 80 which illustratesuse of the toothbrush against a selected standard, as described below.This arrangement shows a toothbrush in a specialized mode of operationin which performance of a user with the toothbrush is displayed, ratherthan changing the operation of the toothbrush. It is thus auser-interface mode. The communication between the user of thetoothbrush and a separate display which is visible to the user could bedone by a wireless (RF link) or a wire link. This display could also beon-board the toothbrush, such as in the handle.

In this embodiment, for instance, a performance standard of two minutesof actual brushing use is established, and a flower is used toillustrate brushing progress. When the brush is turned on, the flower isin an initial, early condition, such as illustrated at 90 in FIG. 7A. Asthe time during which the brush is actually being used increases fromthe initial turning on of the brush, the flower gradually opens in anatural sequence of blooming, until at two minutes, it reaches its fullybloomed state. This progression is illustrated in display panels 92-95.More than five panels can certainly be used to promote step-by-stepprogress toward brushing for a full two minutes. The basic concept is touse an animated display, such as a flower, progressing from an initial(bud) condition to full flowering. This is an encouragement to the userto continue to brush to see the flower develop to its full bloom.

Alternatively, if the toothbrush is not used for the full two minutes,the display of the flower can move in a negative direction. This isillustrated in the displays of 100-104. The degree to which the flowerregresses, in the illustration of the display panels, will depend uponthe difference between the actual use of the toothbrush during one eventand the desired time of use.

While a flower has been shown and described as one specificembodiment/illustration of the invention, other illustrations can beused. One example would be a rocket ship going from the earth to themoon, in which use of the toothbrush for the full two minutes willresult in a satisfactory landing on the moon. Other similarillustrations would certainly occur to one skilled in the art, includinganimals and various machines. The animation again provides a visualindication of the association between actual use and a desired type ofuse for the benefit of the young user of the toothbrush.

The same principle can also be used where the standard to be attainedencompasses more than time of brushing, such as for instance brushingpressure or appropriate movement of the brush between the variousquadrants of the mouth. The progress in the illustration panels, bothpositively and negatively, can be quite sophisticated with differentprogramming branches and illustration panels, depending upon the overallcompliance of the child with various brushing standards. Again, thesestandards could be overall brushing time, brushing pressure, andcoverage, with appropriate times, of all of the areas of the mouth,among others.

A variation of this arrangement is shown in FIG. 8 and FIGS. 9A-9D. FIG.8 shows a display device 110 with a humorous face displaying a fullmouth of teeth. This device can be used with or without musicalaccompaniment. This also could be a separate display device or on thehandle of the toothbrush. As shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, coverage of thevarious quadrants of the mouth can be illustrated on the display asmovement of the brush between the various quadrants occurs. FIGS. 9A-9Dshow one sequence of coverage of the brush, again illustrating withparticularity the use of the toothbrush by a child.

The information concerning actual brushing use of the toothbrush by achild can be accumulated as data and then displayed by the toothbrushsystem for the convenience of the parents or other interested person,such as a dentist. In this mode, which is selectable by the parent, theuse of a toothbrush, including particularly brushing times forindividual children, can be readily displayed for the parent'sinformation for a selected time period, such as brushing during theimmediate day, the previous day or several previous days or more. Theparent receives immediate feedback in the form of actual data formonitoring a child's brushing performance.

At the same time the apparatus is providing visual and audioencouragement and stimulation for the child to comply with a desiredbrushing schedule.

Hence, various operating mode arrangements for an electric toothbrushhave been disclosed. These modes involve the particular operation of thetoothbrush, including movement of the brush and frequency. In anothermode, variation of brushing time is provided. A userinterface/performance arrangement is also disclosed which is designed toprovide encouragement and stimulation to a child to maintain desiredbrushing habits.

FIGS. 10-14 are directed toward a system by which the performancecharacteristics of a power toothbrush change, as appropriate and in apredetermined manner, for use of the toothbrush by a child, over a spantime, typically several years. The initial settings could be suitablefor a young child, such as 3 or 4 years, or higher if desired, and thenchange periodically to the point where the child is able to readilytolerate full performance of the toothbrush. This will typically besometime after the child has their adult teeth.

A power toothbrush is illustrated generally at 120. In one embodiment,the power toothbrush includes a stored program 122 which includesperformance/operating characteristics for the power toothbrush atvarious selected ages. A microprocessor control 123 operates thetoothbrush through a motor assembly 125, which can be any of variousknown arrangements. These performance characteristics include, forexample, amplitude of movement of the brushhead, frequency of brushheadmovement and brushing time. Other characteristics can also be included.One or more of these operating characteristics can be varied for eachdifferent age level. The performance characteristics could also includean adaptation routine for load, based on user reaction. The brush couldsense user pressure of the brush against the teeth and adjust theamplitude a selected amount to compensate for the actual use of thebrush. For example, if the user is pressing the brush bristles toofirmly against the teeth, the amplitude could be increased a selectedamount, while if the user produces a less firm or slight contact withthe teeth, the amplitude of motion could be decreased or vice versa.

In stored program 122, the specific value stored therein of eachperformance characteristic for the toothbrush for the various ages is inaccordance with known data relative to children and teens, i.e.appropriate performance settings related to age. The operation of thetoothbrush is thus specifically adapted in steps related to particularages, until the user is ready for full power operation. One or more ofthe various operating characteristics can be changed at the variouspreselected age intervals, for example every two years. The changes,however, can be made at other ages.

The initial level of operation, or the child's age at initial use, canbe entered into the toothbrush through various ways. This initializesthe stored program at a selected level, e.g. 4 years old. One way is byuse of a plurality of buttons 124 on the toothbrush itself. Another wayis by communication between a charger 126 for the toothbrush and thetoothbrush through a charge coil 128 or another independent coil in thetoothbrush and corresponding coil in the charger. The charger couldinclude a keypad or touch screen 130 for entry of the desiredinformation. A still further way is a conventional RFID tag 134 whichcan be secured or brought into proximity with the toothbrush toinitialize the stored program at a particular age/performance level. TheRFID tag could be contained in a sticker which could be adhered to thetoothbrush. In each case, the microprocessor in the toothbrush willrecognize the information provided through the various entry means toproduce the selected levels of performance characteristics for aparticular age/level. The toothbrush will then run with the selectedperformance characteristics.

The various entry means described above, besides initializing the storedprogram 122 at a particular level, could be used to input the actualperformance characteristics for a particular entry level age. This couldalso be done at the other ages as well. In such an arrangement, theperformance information is provided from a source exterior to thetoothbrush, instead of an internal stored program.

In another arrangement, entry or operating information 136 could beprovided by a head portion 137 for the toothbrush, which is removablefrom a handle portion 139. Different heads could have operatingcharacteristics for particular ages. The replacement of one headcorresponding to a particular age by another head for a different agewill result in change of operating characteristics for the toothbrush,as information is provided from the head to the microprocessor control123 for the toothbrush. In addition, it is possible to have an entirelynew toothbrush with new performance characteristics for each selectedage level.

In still another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 11-14, various skinassemblies could be used with a power toothbrush, with each skin member140 having adaptive elements to initialize/change the performancecharacteristics for a selected age level. The skin member could coverthe entire handle 143 or just a portion of it. The skin member can beattached by a snap-on or slide-on arrangement, Velcro, adhesive,magnetic or other arrangement. The skin assembly 140 could be designedto appeal to a particular age, with age-appealingdesigns/configurations. Referring to FIG. 12, the skin member 140 couldbe used to change the operating characteristics through contact elements142 on an internal surface of the skin member, which would interact withcorresponding elements on the toothbrush, in particular elements on a PCboard 146, activated by pushing on a portion 145 on the skin member.Alternatively, the switch to activate the device can be entirely withinthe skin member, communicating with the handle through an RFID elementor similar system.

Referring to FIG. 13, the skin member 140 could alternatively contain anRFID tag 144 (RFID chip and antenna) in combination with an RFIDreceiver and antenna 147 in the toothbrush which would provide theappropriate initializing information from the stored program or theactual performance characteristics. In still another embodiment, shownin FIG. 14, a skin member 140 could use a Hall-Effect arrangement with asensor 148 in the handle or a PC board and a magnet 149 in the skinmember.

The skin could also contain a series of magnets that are sensed bycorresponding elements in the handle which in turn would set the desiredperformance characteristics.

In a further embodiment, the initializing information or operatingcharacteristics could be provided in a cartridge 150, which would beinsertable into a receiving port 152 in the toothbrush. The receivingport could be located anywhere on the handle, including the base. Thereceiving port would be connected to the microprocessor 123. Theindividual cartridges could, for instance, be provided successively by adentist, at selected ages for the user.

The above system of FIGS. 10-14, with its different embodiments, can beused with a power toothbrush so it will operate in a particular mannerappropriate for various ages of children. Hence, the advantages of apower toothbrush can be obtained for children from a relatively youngage up to the point in time when the child is ready for an adult powertoothbrush.

Although various embodiments of the invention have been disclosed forpurposes of illustration, it should be understood that various changes,modifications and substitutions may be incorporated in such embodimentswithout departing from the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for extending the time of automaticoperation of an electric toothbrush, comprising: a control system forthe toothbrush which controls the operation of a brushhead portion ofthe toothbrush, the control system configured to have at least twooperating modes comprising a normal brushing mode and an extendedbrushing mode, said normal brushing mode having a first predeterminedamount of time for brushing operation of the toothbrush, wherein saidcontrol system is configured to automatically terminate brushingoperation after said first predetermined amount of time for brushingoperation, said extended brushing mode having a pre-programmedcapability of providing a second predetermined amount of additional timefor brushing operation of the toothbrush within a predetermined periodof time subsequent to the termination of the normal brushing mode, thesecond predetermined amount of additional time being substantially lessthan the first predetermined amount of time of the normal brushing mode,wherein the control system is configured to provide the additional timefor brushing operation of the toothbrush during the extended brushingmode only upon actuation of a control element by a user within saidpredetermined period of time following termination of the normalbrushing mode.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the amount ofadditional time is configured, in response to a setup command providedby the user to the control system.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein theadditional time is within the range of 20 to 40 seconds.
 4. The systemof claim 1, wherein the additional time is approximately thirty seconds.5. The system of claim 1, wherein the control element is an on/offswitch for the toothbrush.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein saidpredetermined period of time for actuation of the control element iswithin the range of 0 to 10 seconds.
 7. The system of claim 1, whereinthe toothbrush includes a user interface and wherein the control systemis programmed to permit selection of a mode of operation of thetoothbrush during the additional time period which is different than themode of operation during an immediate past brushing event.